THE ROAD TO RECOVERY IN PANIC DISORDER - RESPONSE, REMISSION, AND RELAPSE

A standard set of definitions and criteria for the terms commonly used in panic disorder research is required to aid clinicians in their man agement of patients with panic disorder. Furthermore, the use of a sim ple, psychometrically sound assessment procedure such as the Panic Dis order Severity Scale, which considers all of the essential domains of panic disorder, will provide clinicians with an appropriate instrument for diagnosing and monitoring patients. The use of this more comprehe nsive scale for monitoring patients should alert clinicians to the ree mergence of associated symptoms of panic disorder and allow for the ra pid modification of treatment. By responding quickly to the recurrence of symptoms, a full relapse may be prevented.